Oceania Allura Christening Cruise, November 2025
Growing up in Britain, it wasn’t unusual to see Queen Elizabeth II standing poised with a bottle of Champagne, declaring, “I name this ship…” before sending it smashing—perfectly—against the hull.
So you can imagine my delight at being invited to the christening ceremony and sailing of Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Allura.
I’ve flirted with Oceania over the years—booking the occasional client, circling the dance floor—but we’d never quite committed to the full experience. This, finally, was our moment. And I’m very glad we took it, because something clicked almost immediately.
Oceania occupies an interesting space: ships that are technically “small,” yet larger than my usual preference. With Allura carrying around 1,200 guests, I’ll admit I had my reservations. My husband—famously discerning—was even more sceptical after touring her sister ship earlier this year.
And yet, within hours of boarding, the narrative shifted entirely.
The Feeling of Space
The true test of any ship isn’t its size—it’s how it feels.
And Allura feels wonderfully spacious.
At the pool, there are charming cabana-style nooks, ample loungers across multiple levels, and—crucially—staff who seem to appear just before you realise you need them. There’s music when the weather behaves, a gentle sense of conviviality, and just enough energy without tipping into chaos.
I’m not typically a “pool person” on a ship, but I loved the shallow lounging area where you can dangle your feet in the water, cocktail in hand, and lose track of time entirely. That, for me, is cruising at its best.
The Spa & Wellness Spaces
The spa deck, accessible to Concierge-level guests (or via pass/treatment), quickly became my sanctuary.
It’s beautifully done—quiet, understated, and blissfully uncrowded. Two whirlpools, a hydrotherapy pool with thoughtfully designed jets, and plenty of space to simply be. On one port day, I had the entire area to myself for nearly an hour, which felt like an extraordinary luxury on a ship of this size.
Inside, the spa is equally impressive: 11 treatment rooms, a comprehensive menu of therapies, and all the expected thermal experiences—steam, sauna, and those wonderfully invigorating experiential showers.
It feels intentional rather than an afterthought, which aligns beautifully with Oceania’s growing focus on wellness. Treatments can be reserved well in advance, and the entire space has a calm, polished energy that encourages you to slow down properly.
Life Onboard
The social spaces—Martinis, the Grand Lounge, Founders Bar—were admittedly busier than usual on this particular sailing due to the nature of the christening schedule. That said, Horizons quickly became my preferred retreat: expansive, relaxed, with lovely views and just enough entertainment to keep things interesting. Afternoon tea here is a quiet highlight.
Elsewhere, you’ll find thoughtful additions: a proper library, a tech centre, even a designated smoking room—everything has its place.
The fitness offering is robust: a large, well-equipped gym, daily classes, pickleball, golf simulators, and a running track. It’s clearly well used, which always tells its own story.
The Culinary Heart
Food is, quite simply, at the core of Oceania’s identity—and here, it feels genuine rather than performative.
With the legacy of Jacques Pépin and the leadership of Kathryn Kelly, the culinary program goes far beyond “good for a cruise.” It’s thoughtful, immersive, and rooted in a genuine love of food as a connector.
The cooking school is exceptional—beautifully designed, highly interactive, and layered with storytelling. Yes, there’s the precision of mise en place and excellent wine pairings, but there’s also context: history, culture, evolution.
And then there’s the sense of community. That’s the word that kept coming back to me. This isn’t about chasing a trend—it’s about creating shared experiences around the table, onboard and ashore.
The Christening Moment
The ceremony itself was everything you’d hope for—festive, elegant, and just a little surreal.
We found ourselves in easy conversation with Giada De Laurentiis and Cat Cora, and spent time with Claudine Pépin and her family, who were as warm and unpretentious as they were engaging.
It was one of those rare travel moments that feels both glamorous and genuinely human.
Dining & Service
Impeccable, with very few exceptions.
We were slightly rushed one evening in the steakhouse (a casualty of late dining on a condensed sailing), but otherwise the pacing was spot on. Even with limited time, we sampled the Grand Dining Room twice—both excellent—and the steakhouse once.
My personal favourite, however, was Aquamar: a quieter, health-forward venue with genuinely appealing options. I dined there solo—by choice—and relished both the food and the calm. It’s also worth noting that Aquamar dishes appear on the Grand Dining Room menu in the evenings, which is a thoughtful touch.
Suites & Staterooms
There’s something undeniably special about a new ship, and the accommodations reflect that.
We stayed in a Concierge-level stateroom (pictured above), which was perfectly judged – elegant, comfortable, and with a balcony I used constantly (usually with a glass of Champagne in hand). I am firmly not one of those people who ignores their balcony.
The upper suites are, of course, exceptional. The Owner’s Suite feels almost residential in scale: expansive living areas, a proper bar setup, a grand piano, and a walk-in closet that could rival many boutique hotels. Don’t tell anyone, but it was the most impressive Owner’s Suite I have seen to date. The smaller suites still deliver beautifully, particularly for those who value space and butler service.
Final Thoughts
I’m very glad that Oceania and I finally had our dance.
There is simply no substitute for experiencing a full sailing—the rhythm of the ship, the nuances of service, the way a place reveals itself over time.
And as for my husband—my wonderfully exacting, occasionally sceptical Chef Michael—he ended the journey doing something I don’t see often: happily eating his words.
By the time we disembarked, he had declared Oceania Cruises his favourite cruise line… and was already asking where we’re going next.
Which, I think, says everything.
For those tempted to step aboard Oceania Cruises, I’d be delighted to curate the right voyage—thoughtfully matched to your pace, preferences, and palate.
Jayne Withers 